Imagine kicking off your day with the toughest, most dreaded task on your to-do list — the one you keep avoiding. That’s what it means to “eat the frog.” It’s about tackling what’s hardest, first thing, to set a powerful tone for the rest of your day. Often, we hold ourselves back, underestimating just how much we can achieve, distracted by self-doubt or the urge to delay and overthink.
But when you choose to eat the frog, something remarkable happens. You release yourself from the weight of procrastination and dive straight into your most important task, free from the nagging thoughts of “what if” or “later.” As the saying goes, if you have two frogs to eat, start with the larger one. Conquer the most challenging job first, and everything else suddenly feels doable.
This mindset isn’t just about productivity, it’s about transforming your approach to each day.
Here’s how the technique works:
Identify your frog
Determine the most important or daunting task on your to-do list — this is your “frog.” It could be something you’ve been procrastinating on or a task that requires significant effort and focus.
Prioritise
Rank your tasks by importance and urgency. The frog is the task that will have the greatest impact on your goals or the one you feel most resistant to completing.
Tackle it first
Begin your day by focusing on this task before anything else. Doing so provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation that can carry you through the rest of the day.
Minimise distractions
To effectively “eat the frog,” eliminate distractions and create a productive work environment. This may involve turning off notifications, setting specific time blocks, or using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique.
Build momentum
Once you accomplish your frog, you’ll likely feel more confident and energised. This momentum can help you tackle the remaining tasks on your list more efficiently.
Benefits of the technique
The “eat the frog” technique offers several benefits that can greatly enhance your productivity. By addressing the most challenging tasks first, you set a high standard for productivity throughout the day. This approach also helps combat procrastination by encouraging you to confront tasks you might otherwise avoid. Additionally, beginning your day with a challenging task sharpens your prioritization skills and directs your energy where it matters most.
